Continental ExtremeContact DW

[thegunguy]

I struggled with wether or not to add this to the economy threads, but I think we all missed a great hedge - the Michelin PS2. They're over $2,000 for the set now in my size!

While installing the Club number brace last weekend, I noticed that it's time for some new rubber (past actually). So, I started looking on TireRack for options. As I'm running the 19" Style 166 from the E60 M5, there a few more options than the OE 18", including plenty of remaining stock on the PS2. While I'm a little concerned at the age of the rubber in these last lots of PS2s (probably not too big of an issue), the price is just silly.

After reading around on the M5 board, I'm considering the Continental ExtremeContact DW for my next tire. While the new PSS would be great, the rears are slightly off from the standard size (although, I've read they run wide). The Conti's get consistently good reviews, and they may be a tad softer. Since I'm not tracking the car and I don't ever get close to the limit of grip, a little softer tire might be a great move for comfort and protection. Plus, at only $1,100 for the set, they're a bargain.

I'm running the Conti DWS on the X5, with good results. Any thoughts on the DW for the Z8?

[Z8Mania]

LOL. They have gotten great reviews. As a matter of fact, going from memory here so please excuse if Im wrong, I think they came out on top of everything including the PS2 in a recent test I read- the problem is I can't remember where I read it!

[thegunguy]

Car & Driver did a test in 2009, comparing all against the PS2, but the EC DW wasn't in the group tested.

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...mparison-tests

I thought I remembered them being in the test, but maybe I'm remembering another article. Let me know if you find something.

Regardless, at $1,100 the value easily exceeds the few tenths here and there at the track. They're said to have good wear life too.

[Z8Mania]

I agree. Its really a pretty easy choice IMHO.

[Z8doc]

I have the EC DWS all season radial for Cindy's M3 and they are fantastic. Certainly the Summer DW, would be comparable or better on just the dry / wet conditions so I think at the price point they are, they are the way to go.

The Pirelli's are good too on my Z8 but... on Cindy's new 2011 M3, had to replace 2 of them due to internal belt failure (both rears) under warranty. They had less than 5k miles on them at the time of failure. Tire pressure was normal. I had already replaced them all around due to one of them failing while out of town , the other failed without going flat shortly after getting the M3 back from the road trip, so I have a partially worn front set 6k miles, and now 2 new rears.

Given how well the EC DWS all seasons are performing , not sure I will put the Pirelli's back on.

[Gregesq]

Hi, I am in the process of outfitting mine in lieu of run flats now that I'm installing the performance package. I tried for the Contis and guess what. The rear tires (stock wheels) are unavailable and no one knows when they're coming back. Not sure why. So, not wanting to wait forever, I opted for the Michelin PS All Seasons...cheaper than the summer PS2s and, according to Matt and others, well regarded. Not looking to set any track or speed records with my Z and it may be driven in the rain now and again. So, I will let you know how it goes

[thegunguy]

Did you look at the Bridgestone RE-11s? If I were looking for something on the OE 18" wheel, I might go with those.

I'm a huge Michelin fan, but the funny thing is I've never liked the pattern (visually) on the A/S line for cars.

[Gregesq]

Those Bridgestones are plentiful. I was swayed by the rain handling, and also the Michelin PR machine . I intend to upgrade the wheels some day anyway. I'm hoping I didn't go wrong.

[thegunguy]

PR or not, Michelin is in my opinion the best tire for just about all applications. I've had many brands, but I seem to always go back to them at some point. In the case of my 19s, I think I can justify defecting for the nearly as good Contis for half the price.

[Gregesq]

Based on your post re Contis, I was all set to go with them too! But Michelin AS it will be!
Best

[Z8doc]

Hi, ....So, not wanting to wait forever, I opted for the Michelin PS All Seasons...cheaper than the summer PS2s and, according to Matt and others, well regarded. ...

I have the PS All Seasons on my older 1988 M6 and they work great and handle the twisties pretty well. For most driving, should be fine.

[Z8Mania]

I have the PSASPlus on another vehicle and Im very happy with them. But for me, the Z8 is a sports car and she needs the PS2 or PSSS if those are ever available.

I asked around and what I can gather is of the main brands what sets Michelin apart from the others is they consistently make tires that are the roundest and easiest to road force balance. I know you are thinking- huh? I thought all tires are round- but they are not truly perfectly round, same thing for wheels. When you get your wheels balanced, most places these days have a road force balance machine- thats what you want BTW- it allows the technician to best optimize any imbalance in your wheel with any off setting imbalance in the tire. I had a set of Pirelli tires that came on a car that from new felt like the balance was way off. We road force balanced the tires and the road force was like 150, 130, 120, 90 lbs on the tires. (It should probably not be much higher than mid 20s and thats too high for my sensitivities). We sent them back to Pirelli for a refund. They didn't have replacement tires so we got the money and I put on Michelin AS Plus on this vehicle. MUCH better. I like Pirelli but the point is it seems Michelin really has the best track record when it comes to having tires that are manufactured to the highest standard consistently.

[thegunguy]

That too is my experience with the big M. They're consistently pleasing tires.

I just booked an appointment with Matt at Peter Pan for an annual service. I also gave the go for a set of the Conti EC DWs in original sizes on my 19" Style 166 wheels. They're going to do a fresh alignment (last was 2005) and road force balance.

With fixing the crack in the lower bumper, installing the Club rear bumper brace, 1/2 way done re-repairing the seat backs, new tires, and new fluids, I'm about ready for the driving season.

[KenZ8]

Jerry,
Be sure to keep an eye on the middle tread compound on the PSASPlus tires. I had them on the Benz and at 20K miles the middle tread material came off in small chunks. I was very happy with them up to that point, but very disappointed when the ride changed suddenly. My tire dealer did some asking around, and it seems that it is a common problem with that design/composition. We thought at first that it was the severely hot summer here last year, but even the Michelin rep acknowledged the problem across the country and pro-rated me into their Primacy HP's. Since I never get anywhere near that mileage on the Z8's tires, it likely wouldn't be a problem.

[thegunguy]

I had the previous gen PS A/S on a previous car, and they're a fine tire with exceptional performance in just about every weather condition (not sure in snow or ice). However, they're a little too truck tire in appearance for me, and on the Z8 I think they could really stand out in a bad way. If you need the wet weather assurance they're certainly the way to go. For me the Z8 only sees rain in unavoidable situations. That's where the X5 comes in.

[Z8doc]

I have those tires on the 1988 M6 and did some inclement weather driving here in OK and they have done well. Have about 25K on them but they too are prematurely wearing in the center tread too despite proper air pressure (no over inflated) so they have a compound issue too. Overall pleased with them.

[Z8Mania]

Interesting and thank you fellas for the tips. I will certainly watch out for that. I suspect I will put about 10k on these tires before they need to be replaced due to age (Ill do it in 5-6 years). I agree with Rifle's take on the look of the tread but if the more all season compound is a better choice for someone due to climate etc then thats just the (small) price you pay. FWIW, if we're discussing tread pattern, I prefer the PS2 to the PSS.

[thegunguy]

They should be in tomorrow.

[Norcal]

Those LOOK great... keep us posted on how you like them.

[Z8Mania]

If it says "EXTREME" on the side, it must be good!

[thegunguy]

"Extreme Contact" sounds a body spray for teens. It's a pretty bad name.

[KenZ8]

Extreme Contact DW has been discontinued for our stock rear sizing leaving very few alternatives for the original sizes.
I just installed a set of BF Goodrich gForce Sport Comp-2. WOW!
These are great tires with a Michelin heritage, reportedly PS2 architecture and compound, and a very reasonable price. Quiet with a lot of grip.

[thegunguy]

Thanks for the feedback, Ken. These sound like a great alternative for cars with the 18" wheel. It'd be great if you could start a thread on the BF Goodrich tires with your continuing impressions.

So far, the EC DWs are working great on my 19" wheels, and they're still showing lots of availability...for now.

[Z8Mania]

Great info fellas!